Late 2013 Fusion Drive - SSD size?

[jg321]

Hi all,

I've tried searching, but can't see anything like this asked so far. Could someone with a late 2013 21.5" iMac with 1TB Fusion Drive please advise what size the SSD is?

I'm aware that these were 128GB before, however I'm wondering if now that the smallest SSD-only config is 256GB, then the FD is 256GB as well.

Many thanks,

JG

 

[faxao]

It should be 256GB

 

[in4fun]

It should be 256GB

If it's 256 GB it would be idiotic to go with the 256 SSD upgrade since it's the same price as FD to update from the standard HDD.

Somehow I can't see Apple giving away nearly one TB of storage for free, but if so I may reconsider my config

----------
update: just found this

Our review sample has the faster of two base CPUs offered in the 27-inch size, plus a fusion hard drive that combines a 1TB HDD with a 128GB SSD

thought so, it's only 128 GB

 

[jg321]

If it's 256 GB it would be idiotic to go with the 256 SSD upgrade since it's the same price as FD to update from the standard HDD.

Somehow I can't see Apple giving away nearly one TB of storage for free, but if so I may reconsider my config

Agreed - it would be idiotic, however, it would also make sense to only make one type for the iMac, the 256GB one. Saying that, the fact that the Air still has 128GB, means that they still actually have to make these.

----------
update: just found this


thought so, it's only 128 GB

Is that just an assumption though, based on what they know "Fusion Drive" to be. You're probably correct - however, I'd still like to hear from someone who actually has one, and can confirm.

 

[elvee]

If you go to the Apple Store and add an iMac to your cart, then under the "Storage" category you click on "Learn more" you'll find this info:

About Fusion Drive

Fusion Drive combines 128GB of super-fast flash storage with a traditional hard drive. And now it’s up to 50 per cent faster than before.** It automatically and dynamically moves frequently used files to flash for quicker access. With Fusion Drive in your iMac, booting, copying files and importing photos are faster. Over time, as the system learns how you work, Fusion Drive makes your Mac experience even better. All while letting you store your digital life on a traditional, roomy hard drive.


hope that helps.

 

[jg321]

If you go to the Apple Store and add an iMac to your cart, then under the "Storage" category you click on "Learn more" you'll find this info:

About Fusion Drive
<snip>

Ahh, yes, this probably answers it then. Looks like I'll be getting the 256GB SSD only then. I thought I'd decided on getting the Mac Mini to complement my 2011 13" MBP, but I'm in love with the idea of an iMac, so I think the decision is made

 

[fredr500]

Let's look at this a little deeper. The 256GB SSD and the 1TB fusion cost the same.

With the Fusion you get 128GB of SSD and 1 TB of 7200RPM disk, and the OS manages what is in the SSD vs the disk.

Do you really need more than 128GB of SSD if it is managed intelligently? I know I have a lot of 'junk files' that accessed infrequently but still take up space. If those are stored on the disk, I think 128GB of SSD will be sufficient. And I get 896GB of additional storage for pictures, videos, music, etc that don't need instant access every day.

Given those 2 choices the 1TB Fusion seems like a no-brainer. Someone please show me where I am wrong.

 

[in4fun]

Given those 2 choices the 1TB Fusion seems like a no-brainer. Someone please show me where I am wrong.

When the mechanical part of the fusion drive fails you also loose your SSD (not to mention the whole system for a couple weeks since you can't replace it yourself)

With a pure internal SSD drive and external HDDs via USB 3 you don't need to worry (just plug in another HDD if thats fails).

I'm not saying that fusion drives tend to fail - just saying if you're planning to use your system for a long time (e.g. 5 years) you'll probably sleep better at night knowing you're on the safe side

 

[ioannis2005gr]

Let's look at this a little deeper. The 256GB SSD and the 1TB fusion cost the same.

With the Fusion you get 128GB of SSD and 1 TB of 7200RPM disk, and the OS manages what is in the SSD vs the disk.

Do you really need more than 128GB of SSD if it is managed intelligently? I know I have a lot of 'junk files' that accessed infrequently but still take up space. If those are stored on the disk, I think 128GB of SSD will be sufficient. And I get 896GB of additional storage for pictures, videos, music, etc that don't need instant access every day.

Given those 2 choices the 1TB Fusion seems like a no-brainer. Someone please show me where I am wrong.

Your conclusion is correct!

----------

When the mechanical part of the fusion drive fails you also loose your SSD (not to mention the whole system for a couple weeks since you can't replace it yourself)

With a pure internal SSD drive and external HDDs via USB 3 you don't need to worry (just plug in another HDD if thats fails).

I'm not saying that fusion drives tend to fail - just saying if you're planning to use your system for a long time (e.g. 5 years) you'll probably sleep better at night knowing you're on the safe side

Also, your conclusion is correct!


Both of you, you have to consider that backup process to other (RAID?) external massive storage devices is an important task to save your data. Nothing is safe (SSD vs HDD).

 

[in4fun]

Both of you, you have to consider that backup process to other (RAID?) external massive storage devices is an important task to save your data. Nothing is safe (SSD vs HDD).

very true

right now I'm looking at this thing
http://www.amazon.com/Book-External-Drive-Storage-Backup/dp/B0042Z55RM/ref=amtcd_B0047FL85U_B0042Z55RM

to compliment the internal SSD

 

[ioannis2005gr]

very true

right now I'm looking at this thing
http://www.amazon.com/Book-External-Drive-Storage-Backup/dp/B0042Z55RM/ref=amtcd_B0047FL85U_B0042Z55RM

to compliment the internal SSD

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Thunderb...id=1380548380&sr=1-5&keywords=wd+raid+storage

WD My Book Thunderbolt Duo 4TB External Dual Hard Drive Storage with RAID

The cheaper monster!

 

[flynz4]

Let's look at this a little deeper. The 256GB SSD and the 1TB fusion cost the same.

With the Fusion you get 128GB of SSD and 1 TB of 7200RPM disk, and the OS manages what is in the SSD vs the disk.

Do you really need more than 128GB of SSD if it is managed intelligently? I know I have a lot of 'junk files' that accessed infrequently but still take up space. If those are stored on the disk, I think 128GB of SSD will be sufficient. And I get 896GB of additional storage for pictures, videos, music, etc that don't need instant access every day.

Given those 2 choices the 1TB Fusion seems like a no-brainer. Someone please show me where I am wrong.

I would take the 256GB SSD anyway.

External HDDs cost about $160 for a 4TB... or $120 for a 3TB. About $40 per TB.

Do I really want to lose control of what goes on my SSD for $40 worth of storage? No way.

It would be a tougher decision if if was hard to segment your data... but it is not. In particular, there are a few databases that will perform exactly the same irrespective if they are on the SSD or HDD. So, by moving your movie and music (in my case: iTunes Media & FCPX) off to the HDD... everything I own fits on my (albeit somewhat larger) SSD. If I was to additionally use referenced masters for Aperture... then I would be able to use even a small 256GB SSD for 100% of my remaining random data.

I have tried a FD... and it is NOT the same as a properly segmented SSD+HDD combination. Since segmenting your data by use is so trivial to accomplish, I think the SSD+HDD combination is the better choice.

/Jim

 

[Serban]

for an ALL-IN-ONE computer i guess you should have all you need in one piece. So if you need a lots of storage the best way is Fusion Drive or now you have that 1T SSD. I wanted an imac for work but for one piece+one power cable ..that it.

 

[armhol]

DIY Fusion?

I would take the 256GB SSD anyway.

External HDDs cost about $160 for a 4TB... or $120 for a 3TB. About $40 per TB.

Do I really want to lose control of what goes on my SSD for $40 worth of storage? No way.

It would be a tougher decision if if was hard to segment your data... but it is not. In particular, there are a few databases that will perform exactly the same irrespective if they are on the SSD or HDD. So, by moving your movie and music (in my case: iTunes Media & FCPX) off to the HDD... everything I own fits on my (albeit somewhat larger) SSD. If I was to additionally use referenced masters for Aperture... then I would be able to use even a small 256GB SSD for 100% of my remaining random data.

I have tried a FD... and it is NOT the same as a properly segmented SSD+HDD combination. Since segmenting your data by use is so trivial to accomplish, I think the SSD+HDD combination is the better choice.

/Jim

I'm in the market for a new iMac, i am also considering the Fusion drive option and have a question. Could I order the 27' iMac with 256GB or 512GB flash storage option and then add my own 2TB HD (in what i presume would be an empty bay) and create my own Fusion drive from those two? (There terminal commands to create a core storage device). I know this would mean opening up a brand new machine which I would be loathed to do but in theory is this an option?

Why do Apple only offer the 128GB version and not 256 or 512 Fusion drives?

Thanks.

 

[SaSaSushi]

I'm in the market for a new iMac, i am also considering the Fusion drive option and have a question. Could I order the 27' iMac with 256GB or 512GB flash storage option and then add my own 2TB HD (in what i presume would be an empty bay) and create my own Fusion drive from those two? (There terminal commands to create a core storage device). I know this would mean opening up a brand new machine which I would be loathed to do but in theory is this an option?

Yes, if you don't mind opening up the machine and potentially invalidating the warranty if Apple can detect evidence of your surgery.

Why do Apple only offer the 128GB version and not 256 or 512 Fusion drives?

I suppose because once you start integrating larger SSDs it defeats the whole purpose of using intelligent file management so as to optimally populate the smaller SSD with most-used files while storing the rest on the HD. If you've got enough Flash storage to hold all of your data, the Fusion concept becomes irrelevant.

Also be advised that any SSD used in a Fusion Drive will be invisible and unusable with BootCamp. With Fusion Drives, BootCamp is installed to a partition on the HD.

 

[armhol]

Yes, if you don't mind opening up the machine and potentially invalidating the warranty if Apple can detect evidence of your surgery.



I suppose because once you start integrating larger SSDs it defeats the whole purpose of using intelligent file management so as to optimally populate the smaller SSD with most-used files while storing the rest on the HD. If you've got enough Flash storage to hold all of your data, the Fusion concept becomes irrelevant.

Also be advised that any SSD used in a Fusion Drive will be invisible and unusable with BootCamp. With Fusion Drives, BootCamp is installed to a partition on the HD.

SaSaSushi, thanks for your reply. I am aware that fusion drives cannot be used with bootcamp. That does not bother me as all my windows needs are satisfied by Parallels.

Regarding the size of the SSD and the amount of data, my current HD is a 2TB drive and has over 1.2 TB of data on it. I think with a 256GB SSD and a 2TB HD as a fusion drive I will see big speed increases. I am going to try this out in my 2008 MacPro. I'll report when I have some news on the results.

When transferring my data to the new fusion drive when it is set up do you think it is ok to just clone my existing drive to it with Carbon Copy Cloner or should i install a fresh Mavericks system to it and then migrate data across with migration assistant? I am just wondering the best way to get the most used files on the SSD quickly.

Also I intend turning TRIM on for the drive, does it matter when that is done? Pre or post adding data?

Thanks for any input,

Alan.

 

[MrGuder]

With the Fusion you get 128GB of SSD and 1 TB of 7200RPM disk, and the OS manages what is in the SSD vs the disk.

Are you sure this is correct? I thought it was 128GB SSD and 1 TB at 5400 RPM

 

[armhol]

Are you sure this is correct? I thought it was 128GB SSD and 1 TB at 5400 RPM

It depends on the model, the 21 inch model has 5400rpm drives, the 27 inch models have 7200rpm drives. So i am told.

 

[magbarn]

It depends on the model, the 21 inch model has 5400rpm drives, the 27 inch models have 7200rpm drives. So i am told.

Not only does the 27 inch use 7200rpm HDD, it also uses full size 3.5" drives which are much faster than their 2.5" counterparts used in the 21.

 

[SaSaSushi]

When transferring my data to the new fusion drive when it is set up do you think it is ok to just clone my existing drive to it with Carbon Copy Cloner or should i install a fresh Mavericks system to it and then migrate data across with migration assistant? I am just wondering the best way to get the most used files on the SSD quickly.

I did the latter with my 1Tb Fusion Drive. Of course, the machine came with Mavericks installed and then I just used the Migration assistant via Ethernet from my old Mac.

From what I've read, you can also clone to a Fusion drive from a non-Fusion as well although I haven't personally tried it.

Also I intend turning TRIM on for the drive, does it matter when that is done? Pre or post adding data?

I'd check with the specs of the SSD you're using to verify that garbage collection is not handled by the SSD controller. If it is, you don't need to enable TRIM. If you do enable it, I'd do so after the files are in place.

Good luck.

 

[wnorris]

True benefit of Fusion?

I would take the 256GB SSD anyway.

External HDDs cost about $160 for a 4TB... or $120 for a 3TB. About $40 per TB.

Do I really want to lose control of what goes on my SSD for $40 worth of storage? No way.

It would be a tougher decision if if was hard to segment your data... but it is not. In particular, there are a few databases that will perform exactly the same irrespective if they are on the SSD or HDD. So, by moving your movie and music (in my case: iTunes Media & FCPX) off to the HDD... everything I own fits on my (albeit somewhat larger) SSD. If I was to additionally use referenced masters for Aperture... then I would be able to use even a small 256GB SSD for 100% of my remaining random data.

I have tried a FD... and it is NOT the same as a properly segmented SSD+HDD combination. Since segmenting your data by use is so trivial to accomplish, I think the SSD+HDD combination is the better choice.

/Jim

I have to agree with you on this. I just purchased a mini and will upgrade with an additional 256 SSD and RAM. I thought about creating a FD, but do not see the benefit as I can manually move my multimedia or infrequently used files to the HD. FD is a benefit for users that are not capable of manual upgrades of Apple products (most would fall into this category) and do not want to pay the full cost for a larger SSD. The price Apple charges for RAM and storage upgrades is ridiculous.